Maqloob

Maqluba, meaning "upside down" in Arabic, is a scrumptious and comforting dish popular across the Middle East. This impressive meal is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, as it's traditionally served by flipping the pot to reveal a beautiful layered spectacle of vegetables, rice, and meat. Whether you're familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine or exploring it for the first time, Maqluba is a must-try. Here's how you can make this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients

🥄 2 tablespoons oil
🍅 3 tomatoes
🍗 1 chicken, cut and boiled
🥔 4 potatoes, fried
🌱 1 pound green beans, fried
🍆 1 eggplant, fried
🧅 1 large onion, fried
🫑 1 bell pepper, fried
🍚 2 cups rice, washed and soaked for 20 minutes
🧂 1 1/2 tablespoons chicken bouillon
🧂 1 tablespoon salt
📦 1 packet Sazón
🌶️ 1 teaspoon black pepper
🌶️ 1 teaspoon chili flakes
💧 3 cups warm water
🥫 1 6oz can tomato paste

Instructions

1- Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken:

Start by boiling the chicken pieces until fully cooked. Set aside.
Slice the potatoes, eggplant, onion, and bell pepper. Fry each vegetable separately until golden brown. Drain excess oil with paper towels.

2- Layering the Ingredients:

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil on medium-high. Layer the slices of tomatoes at the bottom. This will form the first layer that will be visible when flipped.
Layer the boiled chicken pieces on top of the tomatoes, followed by the fried potato slices, eggplant, onion, bell pepper, and green beans.

3- Add Rice and Seasonings:

Gently spread the soaked and drained rice over the layered ingredients.
In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/2 tablespoons chicken bouillon, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 packet Sazón, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon chili flakes. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the rice.

4- Add Tomato Paste and Water:

Dissolve the tomato paste in 3 cups of warm water. Pour this mixture carefully over the rice, ensuring the rice is submerged.

5- Cooking the Maqluba:

Cover the pot and cook on high heat for the first 15 minutes.
Then, reduce the heat to low and allow it to cook undisturbed for another 30 minutes. This will ensure the flavors meld together and the rice cooks evenly.

6- The Grand Flip:

Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Carefully invert the pot onto a large serving platter. Slowly lift the pot to reveal the Maqluba. Serve immediately and enjoy the layered delight!

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 480
Proteins: 25g
Fats: 18g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Equipment: Large pot with a lid, frying pan, serving platter